The Used Car Index

2012 Jeep Compass problems

NHTSA lists 184 complaints for the 2012 Jeep Compass, 3 of them mention a crash and 5 mention a fire. 2 complaints mention an injury, with 2 injuries and 1 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as JEEP COMPASS.

At a glance

Complaints
184
With crash
3
With fire
5
With injury (complaints)
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
1
Recalls
4
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,435,625
Investigations
2
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
147

Complaints per 100k sold: 457.313. Units sold: 40,235; sales year: 2012; basis: calendar_year_us_sales_proxy_for_model_year. goodcarbadcar.net.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ENGINE3619.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3418.5%
AIR BAGS2815.2%
POWER TRAIN2614.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2413.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2413.0%
SEAT BELTS2212.0%
STRUCTURE126.5%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE105.4%
SUSPENSION105.4%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEXHAUST SYSTEM2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMIGNITION1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESHATCHBACK/LIFTGATE1
STRUCTUREFRAME AND MEMBERS1
VISIBILITYWINDSHIELD1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
loss of control4126.5%0.87
mechanical failure2818.1%0.86
restraint or airbag2314.8%0.87
electrical electronic2113.5%0.74
fire or overheating138.4%0.82
unclear117.1%0.93
fluid or fuel leak63.9%0.80
structural or corrosion53.2%0.83
noise or comfort42.6%0.89
visibility or lighting31.9%0.92
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate9661.9%0.82
low5132.9%0.72
high63.9%0.86
critical10.6%0.98
none10.6%0.16

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 155 tagged complaints of 184 complaints (84.2%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

4 recalls.

16V668000

Date: 2016-09-15. Systems: AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS.

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V233000

Date: 2013-06-04. Systems: AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS.

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Consequence: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V120000

Date: 2013-04-03. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Consequence: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V142000

Date: 2012-04-03. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

Defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

2 investigations; 1 open.

EA21002

Opened: 2021-09-17. Closed: Not listed.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupt

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

PE19014

Opened: 2019-09-09. Closed: 2026-02-25.

Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small

Systems: SEATS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

147 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT44
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
POWER TRAIN21
SEATS12
SUSPENSION12
STRUCTURE11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10
SERVICE BRAKES9

11034343

Date: 2026-06-18. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE.

Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)

11022026

Date: 2025-08-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.

11022027

Date: 2025-08-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.

11017435

Date: 2025-04-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER

11017445

Date: 2025-04-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER

10244356

Date: 2023-09-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SUSPENSION.

LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

10248517

Date: 2023-09-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect.

10244348

Date: 2023-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use

10248509

Date: 2023-09-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use

10242717

Date: 2023-07-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
COMPASS184

Same model, other years

All model years | All Jeep models

Other Jeep models, 2012

Sources

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